What is a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA)?
CASA's are trained community volunteers appointed by a Family Court Judge to speak for the best interests of children in out of home placement due to reasons of abuse or neglect. 

A Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) is an official part of judicial proceedings, working alongside attorneys and social workers. By handling only one case at a time the CASA has time to thoroughly explore the history of each assigned case. They talk with the child, parents, family members, neighbors, school officials, doctors and others involved in the child's background who might have facts about the case. The CASA reviews all of the available facts as well as all court documents pertaining to the child's case. They are then expected to submit formal reports to the Judge at every scheduled hearing or case review. The CASA continues to monitor the child's case to assure that the judicial and child welfare systems are moving ahead to secure a safe, permanent home for the child, and that court-ordered services are provided to the child and family. The CASA can be an invaluable resource for the child's attorney and social worker in reaching their goals for permanency for the child.

What does a CASA do?
The following outline explains what a CASA does to be a Child's Voice in Court.

Complete an intensive independent review of each case:
Speak with the child and relevant adults.
Review appropriate records and reports.
Observe the child and significant others.

Report findings to the court:
Provide a written report containing factual information to the court.
Attend court hearings concerning the child to see that all relevant facts are presented.
Attend appropriate interagency meetings regarding the child.
Participate in case conferences concerning the child.
Ensure representation of the child's best interest:

Follow up on all aspects of the child's case.
When necessary, prod public systems into action.
Monitor case following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court.
Consult regularly with the volunteer coordinator and develop a CASA case plan, review progress and reports.

To sum it all up, a CASA's mission is:
To provide independent, factual information to the court regarding the child's case.
To provide advocacy for the child who is the subject of judicial proceedings.
To monitor the child's cases until the terms of the court order have been fulfilled.
To factually and objectively report findings and observations to the court.
To insure representation of the child's best interest in all judicial proceedings.
To monitor the child's case following a court hearing or decision as designated by the court

Ability to keep all client and court information confidential.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to respect and relate to people from various backgrounds (economic, cultural, educational) and in a variety of settings.
Access to reliable transportation.
Ability to maintain objectivity.
Ability to gather and record factual information accurately.
A basic understanding of child development.
A basic understanding of family relationships.

CASA volunteers are required to attend approximately 30 hours of pre-service training.
CASA volunteers will attend in-service training and receive direct supervision and guidance from program staff.

After completion of training, a CASA is assigned a child's case. Volunteers are required to commit themselves to the program for twelve months. Most volunteers spend between 5-20 hours per month on their case.